excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: something that excites or rouses

2

: the action of exciting : the state of being excited

Synonyms

• encouragement
• stimulation
• stimulus
• motivation
• incentive

Examples of excitement in a Sentence

Our excitement was building as the end of the game approached.

His hands shook with excitement.

The child cried out in excitement.

a trip filled with excitement and adventure

She talked about the excitements of her new life.

This job loses its excitement after a while.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fans on social media can barely contain their excitement over the announcement. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

The exec emphasized his excitement about being in the country a few months after Salles’ history-making drama about Brazil’s military dictatorship, a film that also scored nominations for best picture and actress for Fernanda Torres. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025

With 12-year-old Bentley now retired from running, Otis carries on the family tradition – sprinting down the same hill with the same excitement. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025

Both expressed excitement for the potential opportunities on Friday. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing excitement

• hyper-excitement
• tingle with excitement

Rhymes for excitement

• incitement
• indictment

Kids Definition

excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: something that excites

2

: the state of being excited : agitation

Medical Definition

excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment -ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: the act of exciting

2

: the state of being excited: as

a

: aroused, augmented, or abnormal activity of an organism or functioning of an organ or part

b

: extreme motor hyperactivity (as in catatonic schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)